Restaurant industry raises $12 million for Katrina victims

March 15, 2006

WASHINGTON — The National Restaurant Association and the American Red Cross raised more than $12 million through Dine for America, a nationwide "dine out" day, and other industry efforts for the Red Cross to help those impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. On Oct. 5, more than 17,000 restaurants nationwide — from coffee shops to fine dining establishments, and from large chains to single-unit independent restaurants — joined Dine for America, along with their employees and guests, to raise funds for Gulf Coast recovery efforts, demonstrating the industry's commitment

to community service.

"Last fall, the nation's restaurants, their employees and their guests united and raised more than $12 million to help those whose lives were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita," said Steven Anderson, president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association. "More than 17,000 restaurants joined in the Dine for America effort alone. Never before have so many restaurants come together in one single charitable effort. This unprecedented outpouring of support clearly demonstrates the great compassion and commitment to service by our great industry."